Navigating the King of Red Lions in Sea of Thieves: A Pirate's Guide
The Mythic Vessel: King of Red Lions
If you’ve been chasing the elusive King of Red Lions in Sea of Thieves, you already know it’s more than just another merchant ship. Rumors say it carries fortunes beyond the usual gold, and its arrival is a rare blessing for any crew brave enough to meet its crew. In this guide we’ll break down where it appears, how to prep, the battle strategy, and what to expect once you claim its treasure.
Where to Find the King of Red Lions
This legendary vessel doesn’t spawn at a fixed spot; it roams the western coast of the Isle of Souls during the Night of the Storm event. The key indicators:
- Its hull is painted a deep crimson with golden trim.
- A pair of crimson sails unfurl, catching the storm’s wind.
- Its crew, known as the Red Guard, wields dual sabers and chant a haunting melody.
Because the event runs only on Fridays and Saturdays between 6 pm and 11 pm Atlantic time, timekeeping is essential. Keep your compass set to the west and stay alert for the storm’s rumble.
Preparation for the Encounter
Before you set sail, make sure your ship and crew are in top shape. The King of Red Lions can inflict massive damage in a short burst, so every advantage counts.
Weapons and Tools
The best cannon loadout for this battle is a mix of flintlock and explosive powder. Flintlock rounds inflict moderate damage with a high rate of fire, while explosive rounds can shatter the enemy hull and bring its crew down in a single volley.
Crew Coordination
Divide your crew into three roles:
- Navigator – keeps the ship on the optimal heading.
- Quartermaster – manages cannon loading and reloads.
- Combatants – stand on deck to board or fend off boarding attempts.
Clear communication reduces confusion, especially when the storm’s wind shifts.
The Battle: How to Defeat the King of Red Lions
The first encounter begins when the enemy’s cannons roar. Timing your own fire and countering quickly will decide the outcome.
Cannon Tactics
Fire in short bursts to avoid depleting your powder reserves. Aim for the enemy’s hull near the waterline to cause flooding, which slows the ship. If you spot the enemy’s mast, a flintlock hit can cripple their steering.
Boarding Tactics
Once the hull is breached, quickly switch to boarding mode. Use your crew’s swords to take down the Red Guard one by one, focusing on the captain first. The captain’s health bar is visible above the mast; eliminating him cuts off the ship’s combat coordination.
Loot and Rewards
Defeating the King of Red Lions is worth the effort. The loot pool includes:
- 5–10 gold coins per crew member.
- A Legendary Red Sword that increases melee damage.
- A Stormbreaker Cannon that can fire explosive rounds without depleting powder.
- A Treasure Map leading to a hidden stash of crates.
In addition, the event rewards you with a Sea of Thieves event badge, which showcases your victory in the game’s social hub.
Aftermath and Tips
After the battle, anchor near a friendly port to trade the loot quickly. If you’re still in the storm, use the
